International Congress of Toxicology (ICT)

ICT Meetings

IUTOX organizes the largest and most prestigious International Congress on Toxicology (ICT) every three years, offering the opportunity to learn the latest developments in toxicological science and regulation through general scientific sessions and continuing education classes. On a personal level, it provides the opportunity for you to present your own work to this, the largest and most diverse audience of toxicologists, allowing you to network with others in the same field. And, of course, it provides an opportunity for social activities at the conference in different parts of the world (Seattle in 1995, Paris 1998, Brisbane 2001, Tampere 2004, Montréal 2007, Barcelona 2010, Seoul 2013, Merida, Mexico 2016, and Honolulu, Hawaii 2019 ).

UPCOMING ICT MEETINGS

How to Bid for an International Congress of Toxicology

Every three years, during the International Congress of Toxicology, the General Assembly of IUTOX votes for the site of an International Congress of Toxicology. The ballot at the General Assembly takes place six years in advance of the date of the International Congress, thus allowing ample time for planning and preparation. In the General Assembly, all national and regional IUTOX Member Societies in good standing have the right to vote. A Member Society in good standing means a society that has paid its membership fee. The voting power of each society depends on the number of individual members in the Society. If a Member Society fails to pay its membership fee in due time, it loses its right to vote in the General Assembly.

Only proposals from IUTOX Member Societies can be considered for a venue for an International Congress of Toxicology. Proposals from Member Societies to host an International Congress must be sent in the form of a proposal to the Secretary-General of IUTOX who will report the proposal to the Executive Committee for evaluation. The President of IUTOX will submit valid proposals to the General Assembly, which will then decide the Host Society by secret ballot.

All invitations to host an International Congress should be received by the Secretary-General at least six months prior to the General Assembly at which they are to be considered. Each IUTOX Member Society bidding for the International Congress has the possibility to shortly introduce the bid to the General Assembly. The following issues should be considering when preparing a proposal for the General Assembly:

The proposal shall be presented in a written form to the Secretary-General of IUTOX. It shall include a letter of invitation by the bidding society, and the material that will be used to support the proposal should be enclosed. Usually bidding societies prepare a booklet that contains the bidding material.

Selection of the proposed congress venue, i.e. the congress city and convention center, should be done with care. It is important to consider the geographical location of the venue, i.e. to guarantee that it is within easy reach for international travel. The bidding material must include the proposed dates of the Congress. The bidding society should indicate how it plans to organize the Congress, and include names of key individuals within the organizing committee, e.g. the president, treasurer, chairperson of the program committee, and chairperson of the local organizing committee. It is a good idea to include an organizational plan of the congress in the bidding material.

The budget of the Congress is a key element of the proposal. The Budget shall be prepared for 750 and 1500 participants separately for assessing the potential of the Congress to provide revenue for IUTOX. A detailed budgetary plan for the expenses and income of the Congress, including proposed registration fees are required. The bidding materials for International Congresses of Toxicology should also contain information how continuing education courses during the congress will be.

How to Organize an International Congress of Toxicology

Proposals from Member Societies to host an International Congress must be sent in the form of a proposal to the Secretary-General of IUTOX; who will report the proposal to the Executive Committee for evaluation. The President of IUTOX will submit valid proposals to the General Assembly, which will decide on the host Society by secret ballot. All such invitations must be received by the General Assembly at least six months in advance of the General Assembly at which they are to be considered. The decision will be taken at the General Assembly about six years before the date of the International Congress of Toxicology, thus allowing ample time for planning. IUTOX has prepared these notes as guidance to the National Society responsible for the organization with the objective of achieving a healthy relationship between the National Society and the IUTOX Executive Committee and General Assembly.

IUTOX requests that the following items will be acted on by the National Society:

Organization

An Organizing Committee and Scientific Program Committee (and any other appropriate Committees) should be appointed by the National Society. While membership is the responsibility of the National Society, consideration should be given to having international representation on the Scientific Program Committee. One or two members of the Organizing Committee of the previous ICT (preferably the President of the Congress and the Chairman of the Scientific Committee) should be appointed to the current Organizing Committee to ensure that experiences are transferred.

Finance

For each International Congress of Toxicology, there shall be constituted a Finance Committee. IUTOX will offer an interest free loan the amount of which is to be agreed between IUTOX and the host Society. The Budget should be prepared with the object of not making a loss. IUTOX will not be responsible for underwriting any loss. Any profits arising from the conference (including publishing income) will be divided between IUTOX and the National Society on a 2/3:1/3 basis. The local Organizing Committee should make suitable arrangements to prevent any financial loss which might be sustained, being borne by itself or IUTOX.

Proceedings

A book of abstracts should be available for registrants. The proceedings should be published by a qualified publisher, and taking account of all competitive bids. The cost of proceedings should be included in the registration fee. A special issue of Trends in Pharmacological Sciences (affiliated to IUTOX) may be published in conjunction with the Congress. The Organizing Committee should make contact with the Editor to discuss arrangements.

Scientific Program

The Scientific Program Committee will be appointed by the Organizing Committee. At least one person from the IUTOX Council will on the Scientific Program Committee and act as liaison between IUTOX and ICT. The keynote presentation at the ICT is the Deichmann lecture. The Organizing Committee should propose to the IUTOX Executive Committee the names of two candidates who might be selected to deliver the Deichmann lecture. The Executive Committee will make the final selection. The lecture is endowed and the IUTOX Treasurer will prepare a check for US $1,000 to be given to the lecturer by the Chairman of the session. The invited speakers should reflect the international makeup of the IUTOX membership. The program should aim to continue collaboration between IUTOX and other international organizations with a scientific interest in toxicology.

IUTOX

The Organizing Committee should make provision for paying the registration fee of IUTOX Executive Committee members. IUTOX will cover travel and accommodation expenses and daily allowances of IUTOX Executive Committee members. The Organizing Committee should arrange rooms for IUTOX Executive Committee and General Assembly meetings. Details are available from the IUTOX Secretary-General.

Security

Appropriate security measures must be arranged to maintain the integrity of the meeting.

Advertising

Details of the scientific program and other arrangements should be advertised via the IUTOX Newsletter.

Exit Report

The Organizing Committee should prepare a report for submission to the IUTOX Executive Committee on the outcome of ICT, including audited financial accounts, lists of registrants and any items which may be of value in organizing future ICT’s.